Albania has a high diversity of land races. This is made possible due to the geographic isolation that has prevented migration of ?exotic genes? into the local gene pools. This gene diversity is a great resource that today it is prized and protected especially in Europe under labeling as products of specific Geographic Origin. Special funds can be obtained as subsidies under the EU financial mechanisms regarding the protection of the farm animals and their products. Albania is not yet part of EU, but the EU perspective is clear.
Already the Albanian Government (Ministry of Agriculture) has a subsidizing scheme for the autochthonous land races. Although modest for the moment, funds available should be increasing with the progress that the country does towards EU integration. It is essential that information is made available regarding the existence number and location of these land races so that when possibility is created they can be included in this support scheme.
This project will record, document and upload on the international FAO database the landraces identified.